Happy 2015 IWSG

(Yay! First Insecure Writer's Support Group post of the new year. And I'm on time! Before we get into this you must take time to meet the awesome Alex J Cavanaugh. Plus, go check out the IWSG website. While you're at both of those sites please take a few moments to browse, they're both great places to hang. But, don't forget to stop by each of the wonderful co-hosts blogs as well: Elizabeth Seckman, Lisa Buie-Collard, Chrys Fey, and Michelle Wallace.)

Since I haven't done anything, I'm really not secure or insecure about writing at the moment. I have no advice to give other than, write. If you wrote last year, maybe make a goal to write more. If you wrote a ton last year, make a goal to take the pace down a notch this time. And if you wrote at a good pace and you'd like to just keep at it, do whatever worked for you last year. And make sure you don't fear your insecurities either. You need them.

I feared once upon a time, actually I think I wondered it most in 2014, that writers wouldn't be as necessary. Everyone is a writer. Anyone can write anything they want. Things get published left and right, so people who needed writers don't anymore. Scripts, novels, plays, everyhting and anything you need-anyone can write it for you.

'Everyone' is not and can not be a writer. Writing is hard, it takes guts, time, effort, patience, love, understanding, caring, a bit(or maybe a lot) of crazy, and so much heart. Writers don't write because it's something people need, writers write because it's something they need. We all need to write out what's playing constantly through our minds or we'll all go crazier than we already are.

All those people who think it's easy, anyone can do it, they let anyone do it-they're wrong and honestly, not that bright. Writing isn't something that just comes naturally. Period. I don't care how fast someone can spit out a best selling novel, it doesn't mean it was easy. And those who say it's easy, aren't really writers. Not only does it take everything I said-it takes insecurities. So, make sure you open yourself up to those this year. Don't worry when you're feeling insecure, enjoy it and know that you're a writer and if you get too secure, your work won't shine as bright. Cocky writers don't always make great writers(but it's okay to be secure too).

What are your writing plans for this year? Are you writing, editing, publishing? Are you taking a break from writing all together? Or are you going to shoot out books that make it look easy? ;p

Sorry I didn't keep this one short enough, I'll try harder next time.

Have a great week and I'll see y'all next time. :)

I'm Not Insecure...Much

So this is my first Insecure Writers Support Group post. I'm actually a little nervous, lol. That's the awkward side coming out. I'm always afraid I will mess up, say/do something I shouldn't, not say/do something that I should. That's in life, in everything I do-especially when I'm trying something for the first time.

And that's how I felt when I first started writing a book. It's how I feel when I'm critiquing someones query letter or MS. I feel that way when I'm posting my chapter(s) for my group to critique or when I'm sending a chapter to my CP to crit. I even feel that way with revisions and when I'm starting a new story.

I guess it's not fear as much as insecurity. I'm worried about how I will sound, how well I write or if my critique is even going to be helpful. It's normal, this worry I feel with everything I do. Even the most secure person has that fear inside them, that wonder if what they have to say (or what their doing) will be 'approved.' (Even if they don't think so :p )

When I started writing my first (for real) book (the one I started when I decided I wanted to be a WRITER), I kept it to myself. Then I slowly started talking about it with family and friends. Some thought it was just another of my fantasies, while others were (and still are) SO supportive. Hell, when I started a blog, everyone but my mom thought it was ridiculous. Now I love blogging and I love writing. I've always loved writing, but I love giving myself that title-WRITER.

I've met so many wonderful (and not so wonderful) people online and being part of the Insecure Writers Group is just another opportunity to meet more wonderful people who are like me. Writers who feel insecure sometimes. People who have worries and fears just like I do. Friends who can be there for me, and who I can be there for in return.

That's why I embrace my insecurities, all the wondering if what I'm doing is good enough, because I know that I'm not alone and I have people in my boat who are ready to be there for me. People who will help keep my insecurities from running me, and help me run my insecurities. I encourage you to embrace yours too because you're not alone either.

Hopefully this first post is okay...lol, yep still have that 'first time' fear. But that's okay.

Happy Wednesday and make sure you click the 'Insecure Writers Support Group' link and check out others :)